Classic Crab Salad Recipe
This Classic Crab Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender crab meat with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Enhanced with crisp celery, shallots, and fresh herbs, this salad is perfect as a light lunch, an appetizer, or a refreshing side dish that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 pound crab meat (or imitation crab meat), roughly chopped
- 2 ribs of celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons finely diced shallot (or red onion)
- 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set this dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the roughly chopped crab meat, finely diced celery, and finely diced shallots. Pour the prepared dressing over the crab and vegetables, then gently stir everything together to coat evenly without breaking up the crab meat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the roughly chopped fresh herbs over the top as a garnish. Serve the crab salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for later enjoyment. It can be served on its own or with crackers, bread, or over greens.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor, or opt for quality imitation crab meat for an affordable alternative.
- If you prefer a bit of extra zing, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
- This salad keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer dish or leave at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh herbs can be varied to suit preference: dill adds a bright note, parsley offers earthiness, and chives lend a mild onion flavor.
Keywords: classic crab salad, crab meat salad, creamy crab salad, easy seafood salad, no-cook crab recipe, light lunch recipes, seafood side dish
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/classic-crab-salad-recipe/